Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco hosted President Xi Jinping of China and his wife, Peng Liyuan, who made a state visit to Monaco. On March 24, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcomed President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan with a state ceremony held at the Palace. Afterwards, Princess Charlene and the First Lady attended a short performance in the Salle des Gardes by the Canadian violinist Zhang Zhang, who is of Chinese origin.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene held an official lunch in the Throne Room (Salle Du Trône) for the Presidential Couple and the Monégasque and Chinese delegations. Princess Caroline of Hanover and Princess Stéphanie attended the lunch too. This was the first state visit made by a Chinese President to Monaco. The purpose of that state visit was to strengthen the close relationship between Monaco and China. The diplomatic relationship between the two countries began in 1995.

Yes, it's often like that nowadays. I don't think it's in fabulous condition and it seems to struggle to hold a style unless it's been professionally done. I think her hair has never been the same since her alopecia.

Charlene looks stunning although I think all black is slightly odd for a sunny spring day in Monaco. Nonetheless, a really sharply tailored outfit that looks lovely. Hair and make up also great. Best of all she seems relaxed and happy which really does make the difference.

From what I can see of Caroline's outfit she looks good - looks like Chanel. Shame there was only a fleeting glimpse of Stephanie in a video - from what I could see she was looking pretty smart (and with her hair up).

I like Charlene's smart outfit but I thought it was a remembrance event of some kind when I first saw the photos. Very sombre. I adore the last photo of Charlene and Albert. It is fantastic to see a PDA, especially as they sometimes seem quite distant on official functions

I think Charlene looks very elegant and her outfit fits her like a glove. I think she should have gone for a less somber and more spring-like colour though. I agree that her hair looks fabulous. Regarding the sunglasses: I don´t mind them, and I don´t think it´s impolite to wear them when you greet foreign dignitaries. And the just happen to look very good as well. I can imagine though that she didn´t wear them as a fashion statement but out of necessity. In spring in particular, the UV-intensity is sometimes too much for the eyes.

Think what you want, some people do in fact have light sensitivities. I am one of them. I have no control over that. I don't know about Charlene.

Black is not reserved for somber occasions or formal evening events any more. I agree that she might have looked more spring appropriate in a color, but her dress and jacket did look very nice on her. Charlene and Albert showing affection toward each other wonderful.

I´m rather light sensitive as well. Very blond hair, light skin. On sunny days, especially in spring when my eyes aren´t yet adapted to the brightness after a long winter, I can hardly open my eyes outside without glasses, it´s literally painful to my eyes. If your options are to awkwardly squint, to stay indoors or to use sunglasses, I´ll always opt for the latter.

Both First Ladies look great.Pss Charlene always stylish and elegant. Madame Xi Jinping also looks her part perfect.About the sunglasses, maybe Charlene has very sensitive eye's so the glasses are fine.Hopefully we'll see photos of the Chines President and Madame, meeting Prince Jaques and Pss Gabriella.Pss Caroline looked lovely.

When you visit Asia, you must take that into account, when Asians visit Europe they must realize that here white has no such connotation. I'm sure that well informed Asians are well aware of that fact.

I totally disagree, when I first saw the photo with her sunglasses on, her hair totally coiffed I had to do a double-take. She looked like classic "Grace Kellyesque!!!" I do agree a lighter suit would be a better choice...As for Caroline and Stephanie I do think they could put more effort on their appearance considering how few events they attend. Caroline always makes sure to have her hair styled for the Monaco rose Ball. As for Stephanie I liked her hair shorter as it gave her a more androgynous look in a good way.